Ben Nemtin is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? and a star of the MTV show The Buried Life. In a recent email newsletter, he shared three powerful tips to help us stop waiting for the time to do something or have success.

The three things are:

• The Power of One Step,
• Knowing Your Purpose is Already Within You and
• Fear Is Your Compass.

Here’s deeper insights into each of these points, which will help you get UNSTUCK and progress to success!

As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves stuck, unsure of how to move forward. But here’s the truth I’ve uncovered: getting unstuck isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or a stroke of luck. It’s an active process we can engage in right now. Through countless conversations, research, and personal experimentation, I’ve discovered some powerful truths that can help any entrepreneur break free from stagnation.

The Power of One Step

Our biggest dreams aren’t achieved through giant leaps, but through the courage to take that first, small step. When I started my bucket list journey, I had no idea where it would lead. But that first step—simply writing down my dreams—set everything in motion.

The magic of taking that first step lies in its ability to build momentum. Once you’ve made that initial move, each subsequent small step becomes easier. It’s like a snowball rolling down a hill, gathering size and speed as it goes. Your tiny steps build exponentially, fueling your inspiration to keep going.

This principle applies to every aspect of entrepreneurship. Starting a business can seem overwhelming when viewed as a whole. But break it down into small, manageable steps—researching your market, drafting a business plan, reaching out to potential mentors—and suddenly, the impossible becomes possible.

Remember, every successful entrepreneur started with a single step. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak’s first step was building a computer in a garage. Mark Zuckerberg’s was coding a simple website for college students. Your first step might be different, but it’s no less important. Take it today, and watch as it leads to the next, and the next, until you’ve traveled further than you ever thought possible.

Your Purpose is Already Within You

As entrepreneurs, we often feel pressure to find our “true calling” or “life’s purpose.” But here’s a liberating truth: your purpose is already within you. It’s not something you need to search the world to find. It’s made up of the things that light you up, the activities that make time fly, and the moments when you feel most alive.

Your purpose is a reflection of your authentic self. It’s found in the intersection of what you’re good at, what you love doing, and what the world needs. As an entrepreneur, your unique combination of skills, passions, and market opportunities is your purpose manifested.

To discover this inner purpose, start experimenting. Try new things in your business. Offer different products or services. Engage with various types of clients. Pay attention to what gives you energy and what drains you. Notice when you lose track of time because you’re so engrossed in a task. These are all clues pointing to your purpose.

Take the pressure off accomplishing any specific goal. Instead, focus on the journey of self-discovery. It’s about uncovering what makes you feel alive and leaning into those things. As you align your business with these discoveries, you’ll find a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond mere success metrics.

Remember, purpose isn’t static. It can evolve as you grow and change. Stay open to new possibilities and be willing to pivot when necessary. Your purpose is a compass, not a destination.

Fear is Your Compass

For many entrepreneurs, fear is seen as an obstacle to be overcome. But I’ve learned that fear can actually be one of our greatest allies. The things that scare us the most often point directly to what we most deeply desire. Every time I’ve pushed through fear—whether it was confronting my mental health struggles or chasing seemingly impossible dreams—I’ve grown exponentially.

Fear often arises when we’re on the brink of something important. It’s our brain’s way of saying, “Pay attention! This matters!” As an entrepreneur, when you feel fear creeping in about a new venture, a big pitch, or a bold decision, recognize it as a sign that you’re moving in the right direction.

Of course, this doesn’t mean recklessly diving into every scary situation. It means thoughtfully examining your fears. Ask yourself: What’s really behind this fear? What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best that could happen? Often, you’ll find that the potential rewards far outweigh the risks.

Embracing fear as a compass also means developing resilience. Each time you face a fear, you build confidence in your ability to handle challenges. This resilience is crucial for entrepreneurial success, as setbacks and obstacles are inevitable in the business world.

Remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s action in the face of fear. So the next time you feel fear holding you back, see it as an invitation to grow. Let it guide you towards the bold moves that will define your entrepreneurial journey.

Let’s Wrap Up

In conclusion, getting unstuck as an entrepreneur is about embracing the power of small steps, recognizing your innate purpose, and using fear as a guide rather than a barrier. By applying these principles, you can navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship with greater confidence and clarity. Your journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take it today, and watch as your entrepreneurial dreams unfold before you.